ARADA launches mega project Aljada in Sharjah

UAE’s newest developer ARADA has today launched Aljada, a master-planned destination covering over 2.2 square kilometers that is, reportedly, set to transform the future of Sharjah. Unveiled by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, supreme council member and ruler of Sharjah, Aljada is Sharjah’s largest ever mixed-use development project, and is ideally located on the last major plot of undeveloped land in the heart of the emirate.

To be delivered in phases starting from 2019, construction on Aljada will begin the first quarter of 2018 and the entire project is expected to be completed by 2025. Aljada is an all-encompassing district that comprises considerable retail, leisure and entertainment options, in addition to a wide range of residential and commercial offerings, such as a dedicated business park.

The Aljada masterplan is carefully designed with walkability and wide green spaces in mind, allowing residents, workers and visitors the ability to live, work, play and be entertained within an all-inclusive and self-sustained precinct.

Aljada’s entertainment and leisure precinct, the Central Hub, is a significant addition to an emirate that is already widely regarded as the cultural capital of the Arab world. The Central Hub will be a major draw for tourists and residents in its own right. It will be anchored by a spectacular showpiece musical fountain display, situated in a beautifully designed urban piazza, populated with an array of cafés and restaurants. Among the Central Hub’s other attractions will be the largest children’s adventure and discovery complex in the Northern Emirates, alongside skate parks, an extreme sports centre and a wealth of indoor and outdoor entertainment.

Upon completion, Aljada is projected to play host to a total of population of around 70,000, which will include visitors. In total, Aljada has a gross real estate value of AED24 billion.

Aljada will have two linear parks, each 2.2 kilometers long, that stretch the entire length of the project, helping to promote an active, healthy lifestyle and giving every resident the opportunity to enjoy lush green spaces only a few minutes’ walk away from their front door. In addition, two wide tree-lined boulevards totalling 4.4 kilometers in length, featuring carefully curated retail and F&B offerings that will provide a vibrant and busy connection to every district in Aljada.

The launch of Aljada comes only months after the successful introduction of Nasma Residences, ARADA’s first real estate project, which rapidly became the emirate’s fastest-selling residential community. With Aljada, ARADA has positioned itself as a major driver for economic growth and a contributor to the Sharjah government’s vision for the Emirate’s future.

“Aljada reflects ARADA’s unwavering commitment to contribute to the Sharjah leadership’s vision by creating unique urban communities with ample green spaces. We want to offer residents and investors upscale living experiences that are currently unavailable in the market and ensure a better life for everyone who visits, lives, or works in Aljada. We are confident that this development will raise interest in Sharjah even further, while strengthening its position as a secure and sought-after investment destination. Aljada also seeks to attract businesses looking to establish their base out of Sharjah, the UAE’s newest booming economic hub and a thriving business-friendly environment,” says ARADA chairman Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.

“Aljada is a project that stays true to its roots; it embodies the heritage of the city that lies around it while looking forward to Sharjah’s future. With design elements that draw inspiration from Sharjah’s oldest neighbourhoods to environmentally friendly building standards, Aljada really does represent the best of both worlds,” adds Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, vice chairman, ARADA.

Aljada offers superior connectivity, and is strategically close to important sites. It is five minutes away from Sharjah International Airport and its adjoining free zone, the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone) and lies directly adjacent to University City. The location is ideal for a convenient and traffic-free commute from Sharjah to Dubai or the Northern Emirates.

Aljada also enjoys direct access to Al Dhaid Road from the North and University Road from the South as well as easy access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and will include ample parking for both residents and visitors. Additionally, its internal layout is designed to ease congestion within the project and provide ease of access for those entering and exiting Aljada thanks to multiple access points and generous road widths.

Spread over an area of 224 hectares, Aljada is 2.2 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, with a zoning approach that focuses on creating a one-stop shop where people can live an active lifestyle by taking advantage of an extensive cycle network and range of running paths, share time with family and friends in nearby cafés and restaurants, or simply watch the world go by in one of Aljada’s many parks.

“Elevating the standards of development in the emirate of Sharjah by working closely with the Sharjah Urban Planning Council, Aljada will be distinguished by its superior architectural design and unparalleled quality of public realm, incorporating best international design practices. Master planned with a focus on enhanced urban spaces, the design-led Aljada lifestyle experience integrates living, working and entertainment, all curated for a vibrant, tightly knit community,” states Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, chairman of Sharjah Urban Planning Council.

The development includes an extensive residential mix including standalone villas, semi-detached villas, townhouses, lofts and apartments, complemented by generous open spaces and facilities including F&B outlets, schools, healthcare clinics and mosques. A considerable portion of the masterplan is dedicated to green spaces and community facilities, creating an attractive opportunity for investors who want to buy in a new prime destination that perfectly captures the essence of Sharjah.